The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will mark the release of its inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) with a high-profile discussion on access and equity in classical music on Wednesday 22 October at Iwaki Auditorium.

Inclusion consultant Morwenna Collett will host the event, Creating an Inclusive Future, alongside two-time ARIA-nominated pianist and composer Nat Bartsch and the acclaimed one-handed British pianist Nicholas McCarthy.

Nicholas McCarthy. Photo © Paul Marc Mitchell

Born without his right hand, McCarthy has been hailed by Pianist Magazine as the “left-handed virtuoso of our time.” He will also appear with the MSO later that week, performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto for Left Hand at the Impressions of Paris concerts at Hamer Hall on 23 and 25 October.

The Music and Ideas panel will explore barriers faced by musicians with disability and strategies for creating more inclusive opportunities. It coincides with this month’s release of the MSO’s three-year DIAP, which outlines commitments to reviewing internal culture and employment practices, creating learning and engagement programs to foster partnerships, and delivering performances that meet the needs of diverse audiences.

“As an organisation, we recognise the responsibility and opportunity in improving access across...